Abdominal hypaxial muscles

Description

The muscular wall of the abdomen arises from the ventral or hypomere portion of the abdominal somites of the embryo and develops the complete body wall pattern in its entirety. The abdominal muscle wall is the most well-developed region of the hypaxial trunk wall. These muscles form a dynamic retaining wall that supports the viscera of the abdominal cavity, while regulating pressure changes within the cavity. In addition, these muscles are the primary flexors of the lumbar vertebral column, as well as the principal vertebral rotators. In addition, the large subvertebral muscle of this region has migrated into the thigh to attach to the lower limb, where it functions as a powerful hip flexor. The ventral rami of the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spinal nerves innervate all the abdominal hypaxial muscles.